Fake charities operating with impunity, claims provost

Provost Ronnie Proctor hits out at ‘Walter Mitty characters’

Fake charities and so-called Walter Mitty characters continue to “act with impunity” in conning people to believe they are helping hard-pressed ex-military, a leading veterans’ campaigner believes.

As Angus prepares to host two significant service events this month, the area’s provost, former Black Watch Major Ronnie Proctor, has said he is angry about the aggressive tactics used by pseudo charities and frustrated over the lack of action against those who falsely pose as decorated personnel to get people to part with their cash.

On April 22, just days after an Angus delegation attends a commemorative poppy ceremony in Perth, Arbroath Western ceremony will host one of the most significant Scottish Anzac commemorations.

Less than a week later, the Webster Theatre will host the national 2018 Veterans Champions conference.

However, Angus Veterans Champion Provost Ronnie Proctor has expressed concern that individuals fraudulently posing as decorated war veterans, and pseudo military charities continue to operate “almost with impunity”.

Mr Proctor said: “As families and comrades of the fallen and injured gather to remember the sacrifice of our service personnel, I find it particularly galling that people, who have often never served in the military, wear medals and other insignia that they have not earned.

“I am also deeply concerned that pseudo charities who fundraise ostensibly for military personnel and their families, continue to operate, sometimes with requests for donations that some might deem to be aggressive.

“The high operating costs and salaries of these pseudo charities, mean that far less than might be expected, actually goes towards deserving cases.”

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Mr Proctor said members of the public are being duped.